The North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (NSM LHIN), which funds local health care on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, recently announced the formation of the Muskoka and Area Health System Transformation (MAHST) Council. The Council will develop an integrated health care model and implementation plan for Muskoka and surrounding area and will be accountable to the local LHIN.
Community members and local health care professionals are being recruited to form part of the Council and working group.
An Expression of Interest process has been launched to recruit and appoint Council and Working Group Members. The Council’s Terms of Reference and additional resources are available here. A Small Working Group made up of health care, social services, municipal, and community representatives from Muskoka is currently in place to support the recruitment process until the Council is established, states a release issued by the District Municipality of Muskoka. It states selection and appointment of members will begin on July 18, 2016, and it is anticipated the first Council meeting will be held in August 2016.
This is an opportunity to design an improved health system for Muskoka – a higher quality, sustainable system that looks at the full continuum of care and puts people first,” according to Rick Williams, District Commissioner of Community Services and Chair of the Small Working Group.
We need innovative, transformative people from the system and the community to lead this design processRick Williams
According to Huntsville physician and member of the Small Working Group, David Mathies, “The status quo for health care in Muskoka is not an option. Hospital deficit, limited access to primary care, and growing pressures from our aging population make the current model unsustainable.”
Mathies said there is another option.
Underlying these challenges is a strong belief we can achieve significant cost savings and transform into a more integrated, seamless, and efficient system – supported by a new funding model where money saved in Muskoka is reinvested locally to improve, protect, and expand front-line care.Dr. David Mathies
The District Municipality of Muskoka is a partner in this important initiative, along with other local municipal, health, social services and community representatives. For more information click here or read the NSM LHIN Bulletin here.
Click here to see the story leading up to the formation of the Muskoka and Area Health System Transformation Council.
Hello Esther,
Please click above where it says “for more information.” That link will take you to the District of Muskoka’s website and you’ll find the information you need under “How can you get involved?”
I am a 77-year old widow who worked in reception for a GP and a Psychiatrist for many years and am computer literate. As a recent widow I find myself with time on my hands and wonder if I could be of any help on a voluntary basis.